Wendy Drummond makes your pet sparkle again

Wendy Drummond, pictured with one of her own dogs, has turned her love of animals into a successful home-based business. Photo/Ben Fraser

Animal lover Wendy Drummond started her home-based business as a hobby two years ago. Now Sparkles Dog Grooming Services is flat out keeping Rotorua's dogs looking good.

In a nutshell, what does your business do?

We offer one full dog grooming service from grooming advice, nail clipping, bathing, loose undercoat removal, pet clips and breed standard styles in a quiet and stress free environment for small and medium sized breeds up to 20kg.

What's your background and what inspired you to set up your current business?

I have shared my life with animals and also worked in the family pet shop. I enjoyed animals so much I gained certification in animal husbandry and continue to study and upskill every chance I can. I groomed my first dog back in 1999 and my passion for making every dog sparkle began.

What's the best and worst thing about working with animals?

The greatest feeling is to be loved unconditionally and without judgment and dogs certainly shine in this department. I love all our fur babies ...even the grumpy ones. On occasions we do unfortunately see neglect but we are filled with a sense of joy when we are able to free a dog from painful skin issues caused by lack of regular grooming and matting ...to see the relief in the eyes of our furries is truly a blessing.

What was the best business decision you have made and why?

The best decision I made was to take Sparkles all the way, it allows me to be home for my daughter after school and to be with my four dogs.

What was your worst business mistake (if any) and what did you learn from it?

Thankfully I haven't made any bad decisions - long may that last!

What do you see as the biggest opportunity for your business in the year ahead?

I have a fabulous opportunity to attend a once in a lifetime grooming seminar in June, there will be a number of speakers, some of the best in the business - master groomers from around the world. In the forever changing grooming industry learning from these amazing groomers is key to running a successful grooming salon.

If you could do any other job for a day, what would that be?

If I couldn't be a groomer then I'd be happiest being a mum and a doting nana to my beautiful grandie Miss Peyton Jayde.

How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?

I try to take time to de-stress and I love to spend time with my family, after all they are my inspiration for all that I do.

If you were mayor of Rotorua for one day, what one change would you make?

I would definitely take a stand against synthetic high testing on animals.

www.sparklesdoggrooming.webs.com